Hundreds of Americans Are STRANDED in Peru

(FamilyRetirementClub.com) – Following a decision by Peru’s government to shut down the country’s maritime, land, and air borders, hundreds of Americans are stuck in the country. The decision to close the borders came on Monday as coronavirus cases kept growing in the country.

As of Tuesday, the Peruvian Ministry of Health reported 117 cases and 13 people in hospital with the disease. So far there have been no deaths reported in the country, but the drastic measures were taken to ensure the situation doesn’t get much worse.

Almost 300 Americans are currently stranded in the country, according to The Hill, and are publicly appealing for help to leave the country.

The Americans stranded in the country following the move, however, face an uncertain future. The United States Embassy in Peru has yet to announce any plans to assist them. In a statement, the embassy instead offered advice.

“American Citizens who remain in Peru should arrange lodging for the duration of the quarantine period and plan to limit their movements,” the statement read. “Limited quarantine exemptions include movement to obtain food and medical care. Travelers currently in the country should consult iPeru for the latest guidance for tourists. The Embassy will provide a daily update on this page as this situation develops.”

However, the advice isn’t much use for those Americans who would instead prefer to get back home to their families.

The Hill also reported that two Americans attempted to organize American travelers by setting up a WhatsApp group message chat. It has since expanded to around 300 people who are trying to get home, and who complain of receiving “little to no communication” with the U.S. Embassy in Peru.

Jenna Saulo, a Floridian who was informed of the travel ban on Monday upon reaching Machu Picchu with her friend and sister, told the media they walked two hours only to be met by a cop saying they had closed the borders.

Saulo then managed to reach one of the country’s biggest international airports in Lima but was told all flights had been canceled until April 1.

“I did talk to the embassy once. I told them I have a 4-year-old daughter at home and she laughed and hung up on us and now they’re not answering any calls,” Saulo told the press.

Many people will be asking the question…why is a United States Embassy doing so little for hundreds of American citizens trapped abroad?